It’s been another busy week in Hudson County and we’re here to catch you up on all the headlines. Some highlights include an album release party by rapper Lil Yachty held at the Liberty Science Center, with guest appearances by Drake and Offset; Jersey City’s Business Administrator named one of the top 100 local government influencers in the country; and 2022 was a record year for money spent in New Jersey by television, film, and streaming service production companies. Read on for more Hoboken and Jersey City news from January 2023.
Nike Store Opens in Hoboken
The long-awaited Nike store opened this week in Hoboken at 222 Washington Street. The store is part of the Nike Live concept of Nike retail stores, which aim to connect each store to the local community. The Nike by Hoboken store has hired many locals to work at the store, and the team is committed to building relationships with the local fitness community. For more on what to expect at this new store, read on.
Lil Yachty, Drake, + Offset Spotted at Liberty Science Center
Rappers Lil Yachty, Drake, and Offset were spotted at Liberty Science Center on January 26th celebrating Lil Yachty’s new album. Very little was shared in advance of the event, but once pictures started to appear on social media, the word was out. For more about the evening, read more here.
Chip City Opens Newark Location; Hoboken Location to Open in February
Hoboken is next up on Chip City’s Garden State expansion. The NYC-based cookie chain, known for its over-the-top flavors, opened its first New Jersey location in the Gateway Junction in Newark, part of a massive redevelopment project in downtown Newark. The Hoboken location will be at 113 Washington Street.
President Biden to Visit NYC + NJ, Highlighting Gateway Project
President Joe Biden will visit New York City next week, according to NJ.com. The visit is part of an effort to emphasize support for the Gateway Project, a $16 billion infrastructure project that will expand and enhance transit infrastructure in the Northeast Corridor, in particular in the New York/New Jersey area.
Jersey City’s Business Administrator Recognized
For the second year in a row, Jersey City’s Business Administrator John Metro has been recognized as one of the nation’s top professionals in local government. The information was shared in a press release from the Mayor’s office. He was named one of the Top 100 Local Government Influencers by the Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL), a competitive annual list highlighting the top echelon of employees at all levels of government. John is a graduate of St. Peter’s University and has been a Jersey City employee since 2013.
Hoboken Announces Youth Baseball and Softball Registration
In a Nixle alert to residents, the city of Hoboken announced registration for the upcoming season of baseball and softball. Registration will run from January 27th through February 20th and players aged 3 to 18 can join. To register, residents must create an account on the new RecDesk platform at hoboken.recdesk.com and follow the instructions under the “Help” tab for program registration.
Home Health Aide Program in Hudson County Approved for $400K, 12-Month Program
The Hudson County Board of Commissioners approved a proposal that would provide residents with qualified home health care aides, per TapInto. The program will run for 12 months at a cost of $400,000.
Jersey City Unleashed Pet Resort & Spa Closes After 16 Years
Jersey City Unleashed, a dog and cat boarding and grooming facility located at 619 Marin Boulevard, closed on January 27th, according to the business’s Facebook page. The business said in the post that its block was being redeveloped and had been unable to find a suitable space to relocate.
Hoboken Seeks Community Feedback on 1404 Willow Street Redevelopment Project
Residents are invited to provide feedback during a virtual meeting hosted by the City of Hoboken on Tuesday January 31st at 6PM according to TapInto. The project, located at 1404 Willow Street, includes a mixed use building which will add 52 residential units. Participants must register for the meeting, which will include presentations from the development team.
TV, Film, and Streaming Companies Break Spending Records in NJ
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy touted the economic benefits realized by the state’s efforts in attracting television, film, and streaming service productions. According to NJ.com, over $650 million was spent on productions in 2022, breaking the previous record set in 2021, of $500 million. At the same, over 8,500 New Jerseyians have been employed by these projects. Since more studios have committed to larger facilities here, it is expected that those numbers will grow.
Thomas the Tank Engine Visits Liberty Science Center
Thomas the Tank Engine and friends will visit Liberty Science Center starting January 28th, per NJ.com. The exhibit runs through early September. Younger kids can practice counting and comparing objects using colors and sizes, while older kids can practice basic math skills and explore engineering skills through imaginative play. Visit the Liberty Science Center for more information.
Hoboken Native’s Play to Debut in March
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In March, a new comedy will make its debut at the Mile Square Theatre in Hoboken. Per NJ.com, this play has deep roots in Hoboken: it is both the playwright’s hometown and the setting for the show. Gabriel Hernandez is the author of Quarter Rico, which explores the challenges of growing up with a mixed identity. Tickets are available now.
The Hudson Reporter Closes After 40 Years
This past week, longtime local news outlet The Hudson Reporter closed its doors. The paper was founded in Hoboken in 1983 and staff were notified of the paper’s closing at a meeting last week. Read on for more.
Landmark Neon Light Demolished to Make Way for Development in Jersey City
The iconic AC Chevrolet, located at 3085 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, has been extinguished. The classic mid-century modern building was once a model of 1950’s Americana: big cars, glass windows, and post-war possibilities. But as of this week, it is no more, as the building was razed to make way for development, according to NJ.com.
Dom’s Bakery Closes in Hoboken; Owners Retiring
Dom’s is an old-Hoboken favorite, and it has been serving bread to town since the early 1900s. It was a favorite of Frank Sinatra’s, tucked away at 506 Grand Street in the Mile Square. On Saturday, January 21, 2023, the owners announced Dom’s Bakery’s closure, as the owners, Dom and Flo, are retiring in late January. Read on for more.
Hudson County Restaurant Week Began This Week
Hudson County Restaurant Week started on January 23rd with 31 restaurants participating. Restaurants throughout the county are participating, offering diners special deals on prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner. Diners can search by neighborhood or cuisine to find their new favorite restaurant.
UNIQLO Coming to Newport Centre
Japanese clothing brand UNIQLO has announced plans to open in Jersey City’s Newport Centre, per an announcement on its website. The company was founded in 1949 and is known for its simple, well-made clothing and its artist collaborations. The Jersey City location will be the chain’s second New Jersey location, joining one in the American Dream mall.
Edgewater Condo Building Must Allow Waterfront Access to the Public
The Admiral’s Walk Condo Association must allow the public to access the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway on its property, a judge ruled earlier this week. Per NJ.com, the condo association was sued by the Hudson River Waterfront Conservancy last fall, seeking access to the property. A hearing in February will determine the size and other parameters of the walkway.
Another Round of Grants Available for Jersey City Artists
Another round of grants are available to Jersey City artists and makers through the Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund. The first round issued 89 grantees and now is making a second round of grants. Grant applications will be accepted from January 23rd, 2023 through March 3rd, 2023. More information is available on the Jersey City Cultural Affairs website.
Hoboken Police Department Faces Hiring Challenges; Examines Residency Requirements
Per NJ.com, the Hoboken police force is short 12 officers and could be down 17 officers by the spring if no new recruits are hired. Currently, recruits must live in Hoboken before they are hired. Officials are considering changing the residency requirement to attract more potential new hires.
Firehouse Fitness Coming to Jersey City Heights
The recently renovated building at 520 Palisade Avenue in The Heights will be home to Firehouse Fitness, a new concept founded by a former police chief, according to Jersey Digs. The gym is offering special pre-opening pricing for new members. The building was originally built in 1917 and some parts were preserved during its recent renovation.
Dates Set for Bayonne Hometown Fair
The Bayonne Hometown Fair, a summertime staple, will return June 3rd – 4th, 2023. The fair will be full of rides, food, music, and more. Vendors, sponsors, performers, and volunteers are all needed, and interested parties can visit the Fair’s website for more information.
Jersey City Planning Board Rejects Large West Side Development
The Jersey City Planning Board rejected a project called Westview for lacking the appropriate agreements with NJ Transit, per NJ.com. The project calls for four towers to be built, totaling over 3,000 new residential units, in an area between Route 440 and the West Side Avenue Light Rail Station. Two of the four towers would be among the tallest buildings in the state.
New Online Portal for Hoboken Recreation Activities
The City of Hoboken has launched a new online portal for residents to register and make reservations for recreational activities. Using an ID to log on, Hoboken residents can use RecDesk to reserve public spaces and sign up for programs.
First Jersey Art Book Fair Held at Mana Contemporary
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The first Jersey Art Book Fair was held this weekend at Mana Contemporary, featuring over 60 exhibitors, including publishing houses, artists, and curatorial collectives, according to Patch. The event celebrates the art of bookmaking and the art publishing community. In addition to demos and workshops, there will be panel discussions, including one featuring Jersey City’s Poet Laureate Ann E. Wallace.
